Safety and Crime Alerts

E-Scooter Theft Alert: How to Keep Your Ride Safe

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What’s happening?

In the past week, we have received five reports of e-scooter thefts on campus. These thefts occurred at different bike racks and times, but they all have one thing in common: the scooters were left unlocked, secured with a weak lock, or improperly secured.

E-scooters are becoming more popular among students as a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around campus. However, they are also attractive targets for thieves who can easily sell them or use them for their own purposes.

How to prevent theft?

The best way to prevent your e-scooter from being stolen is to lock it properly whenever you park it. Here are some tips on how to do that:

  • Use a U-lock, not a cable lock. Cable locks can be easily cut with bolt cutters or other tools. U-locks are much harder to break and deter most thieves.
  • Lock your e-scooter to a sturdy bike rack, a fence, or a pole. Make sure the object cannot be lifted, cut, or removed.
  • Lock your e-scooter or bike through the frame, not the wheel. If you lock the wheel only, a thief can remove the wheel and take the rest of the scooter or bike.
  • Lock your e-scooter in a visible, well-lit area where there are people around. Avoid dark, isolated places where thieves can work undisturbed.

How to register your e-scooter?

Another way to protect your e-scooter is to register it with Campus Safety. This will help us identify and recover your scooter in case it is stolen or lost. Registration is free and easy; stop by the Transportation office located at 700 E. Elm to register.

To register your e-scooter, you will need the following information:

  • The make, model, and color of your e-scooter
  • The serial number of your e-scooter (usually found on the bottom or the side of the scooter)
  • A photo of your e-scooter
  • Your name, M#, email, and phone number

Once you register your e-scooter, you will receive a sticker with a unique code that you can attach to your scooter. This will help us verify that the scooter belongs to you and contact you if we find it.

What to do if your e-scooter is stolen?

If your e-scooter is stolen, you should report it to Campus Safety as soon as possible. You can call us at (417) 836-5509 or visit us at 700 E. Elm St. You will need to provide us with the following information:

  • The date, time, and location of the theft
  • A description of your e-scooter and its lock
  • The registration code and sticker of your e-scooter (if you have registered it)
  • Any other details or witnesses that may help us investigate the theft

We will file a report and try to locate and recover your e-scooter. We will also notify you if we have any updates or need more information from you.

Stay safe and ride smart.

We hope that this blog post has helped you understand the risks and precautions of e-scooter thefts on campus. We want you to enjoy your e-scooter and use it safely and responsibly. By following these tips, you can reduce the chances of losing your ride and help us keep our campus safe and secure.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at any time. We are here to serve and protect you.

Crime Alert – Burglary

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Around noon on November 9, 2022, a burglary occurred in an office in Temple Hall. An individual wearing tennis shoes, blue jeans and a two-tone blue hoodie (photo below) was observed coming out of an unoccupied office where the door was left open. Items belonging to the university were determined to be missing. The individual was observed getting on a white bicycle and riding away.

Temple Hall burglary suspect photo

This incident is being investigated by the Springfield Police Department.

Reminder:

  • Do not leave items of value unattended.
  • Lock spaces when not in use.
  • Keep keys with you at all times.
  • Report suspicious activity to University Safety at 417-836-5509

Timely Warning for an on campus rape.

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The Springfield Police Department is investigating a report of a rape that occurred on campus. The incident occurred at 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 24, on lot 40, 213 S. Jefferson. A female was forced into a vehicle parked on lot 40 and sexually assaulted by a male she did not know. Neither individual is affiliated with Missouri State University.

If you have any information concerning this incident, you are encouraged to contact the Springfield Police Department at (417) 864-1810 or 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.

REMINDER:

Sexual assault is never the fault of the victim.  Below are some safety suggestions for all members of our community to consider that could prevent harm:

  • Be active in supporting a safe and respectful community. If you see others engaging in disrespectful or inappropriate actions, speak up and get involved, or contact someone else to assist.

 

  • Trust your instincts and do not ignore signs of trouble. If you feel uneasy or sense something is wrong: leave quickly, ask for help if there is someone nearby, or call 9-1-1.

 

 

 

  • Stay with the crowd. Less bad things happen when you are with people you know and trust.

 

  • Watch out for your friends and have them watch out for you.

 

  • Be aware of your surroundings and alert to suspicious activity.

 

At Missouri State University we are committed to a safe environment for all students. To learn more about Missouri State University’s Sexual Assault resources visit:

https://www.missouristate.edu/titleix/

http://missouristate.edu/greendot

Reported Motor Vehicle Theft

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On October 29, 2019, a student reported that their vehicle was broken into and that the ignition was tampered with while parked in Bear Park North, located west of Juanita K Hammons Hall. The vehicle was locked when it was parked on October 29, 2019.

On October 22, 2019, a Missouri State University student reported a motor vehicle theft. The student reported the vehicle was locked in Lot 31, located east of Juanita K Hammons Hall, on October 18, 2019. They returned to their vehicle on the afternoon of October 22, 2019 and found the vehicle missing.

These incidents are being investigated by the Springfield Police Department.

Photos of suspects:

Suspect 1

Suspect 1

Suspect 2

Suspect 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suspect descriptions

Suspect 1- White male, jeans, black jersey with gold number gray hood, light colored shoes, black backpack

Suspect 2- White male, beard orange hat, jeans, dark shoes, and a dark back pack

Reminder:

Always lock your vehicle

Remove your keys and items of value from your vehicle

Report suspicious activity to University Safety at 417-836-5509

Subscribe to Safety First blog at https://blogs.missouristate.edu/safety/

 

Reported Motor Vehicle Theft

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On May 21, 2019, a Missouri State University employee reported a motor vehicle theft. The employee reported that the vehicle was left overnight in Lot 8, which is on the west side of Greenwood School. The employee returned to their vehicle this morning and found the vehicle missing.

Last week, a vehicle was stolen from parking lot 29, which is located at the corner of National Avenue and Bear Boulevard.

These incidents are being investigated by the Springfield Police Department.

Reminder:

Always lock your vehicle

Remove your keys and items of value from your vehicle

Report suspicious activity to University Safety at 417-836-5509